Sales Engineer (AI & Data Platforms)

Medium; Toronto (KS); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

100% health, dental, and vision coverage

Continuous learning opportunities

Fast-growing company environment

Job summary

A data innovation company in the United States seeks a Sales Engineer to bridge enterprise data and AI capabilities. This hybrid role focuses on translating complex ideas into applied AI systems that drive business value. Ideal candidates will have over four years of experience in solution engineering and be proficient in AI/ML systems. They will also build prototypes and communicate ROI effectively, ensuring impactful results for clients across various industries. Hybrid work flexibility offered.

Qualifications

• 4+ years in solution engineering, data, AI, consulting, or product-focused roles.
• Proven experience working in client-facing environments and managing ambiguity.
• Experience supporting or closing enterprise AI/data platform deals ($500K–$5M+).

Responsibilities

• Translate ambiguous client challenges into structured problem definitions.
• Build prototypes, POCs, and demos to validate feasibility.
• Define and communicate ROI tied directly to revenue growth.

Skills

Data architecture understanding

AI/ML systems experience

Solution architecture design

Prototyping with SQL/Python

Communication skills

Job description

About ShyftLabs

At ShyftLabs, we live and breathe data. Since 2020, we’ve been helping Fortune 500 companies unlock growth with cutting‑edge digital solutions that transform industries and create measurable business impact. We’re growing fast and we’re looking for passionate problem‑solvers who are ready to turn big ideas into real outcomes.

The Opportunity

We’re looking for a Sales Engineer (AI & Data Platforms) to bridge the gap between enterprise data, AI capabilities, and real‑world business outcomes. This is not a traditional pre‑sales role, it is a hybrid technical and commercial position focused on turning complex ideas into working systems that drive measurable impact.

At ShyftLabs, we don’t sell decks or theoretical AI. We partner with organizations that already have data and models but struggle to operationalize them. Your role will be to translate ambiguous business problems into applied AI systems, rapidly prototype solutions, and build trust with stakeholders that these systems will work in their environment.

You will operate at the intersection of solution architecture, prototyping, and deal execution, working closely with leadership, clients, and engineering teams to move AI from experimentation to production.

This role is best suited for a candidate with a strong technical foundation in data and AI systems, a builder mindset, and the ability to connect technical decisions directly to business value.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Own the technical narrative in enterprise deals: Translate ambiguous client challenges into structured problem definitions and solution architectures grounded in real‑world constraints such as data availability, infrastructure, and governance. Clearly articulate why proposed solutions will succeed and where alternative approaches fall short.

• Turn conversations into working systems (fast): Build prototypes, POCs, and demos using real or representative data to validate feasibility and demonstrate impact. Integrate AI into existing workflows, showcasing decision systems, automation layers, and agent‑driven processes rather than isolated models.

• Make AI real for clients: Shift discussions away from theoretical models toward practical applications, including decision systems, automation frameworks, and human‑in‑the‑loop workflows. Help clients identify where AI creates meaningful leverage versus unnecessary complexity.

• Quantify and anchor business value: Define and communicate ROI tied directly to revenue growth, cost savings, or operational efficiency. Ensure every solution is grounded in measurable outcomes and support outcome‑based pricing and statement of work (SOW) development.

• Partner with leadership and delivery teams: Collaborate directly with the founding team and senior leadership on strategic opportunities. Work closely with engineering to ensure solutions are feasible, scalable, and aligned with delivery capabilities.

• Drive complex enterprise deals forward: Engage both technical and business stakeholders (CIO, CDO, Product, Operations), handle objections with clarity and logic, and guide conversations toward decisive outcomes rather than prolonged exploration.

What You Bring

Technical Expertise

• Strong understanding of data architecture, including data warehouses, pipelines, and streaming systems
• Experience with AI/ML systems, including LLMs, agent‑based systems, and applied AI use cases
• Ability to design solution architectures that integrate with existing enterprise ecosystems

Builder Mindset

• Hands‑on experience prototyping with SQL, Python, APIs, or dashboards
• Proven ability to quickly translate ideas into tangible proofs of concept
• Systems‑level thinking, with a focus on end‑to‑end workflows rather than isolated features

Commercial Acumen

• Strong understanding of how businesses generate revenue and manage costs
• Ability to connect technical solutions directly to financial and operational outcomes
• Experience supporting or influencing complex deal cycles

Communication Skills

• Clear, structured, and concise communication style
• Ability to simplify complex technical concepts for diverse audiences
• Comfortable engaging with engineers, operators, and executive stakeholders

Experience

• 4+ years in solution engineering, data, AI, consulting, or product‑focused roles
• Proven experience working in client‑facing environments and managing ambiguity
• Track record of taking AI or data solutions from POC to production

Nice to Have

• Experience supporting or closing enterprise AI/data platform deals ($500K–$5M+)
• Background in consulting or building data/AI products in production environments
• Experience with workflow automation, decision systems, or agent‑based architectures
• Familiarity with modern data stacks and cloud platforms (GCP, AWS, Azure)

Salary Range

• $140,000 - $160,000

Why You’ll Love Working at ShyftLabs

Hybrid Flexibility: 3 days per week in our downtown Toronto office. This role is also open to candidates based out of the New York area.

Comprehensive Benefits: 100% coverage for health, dental, and vision insurance for you and your dependents from day one.

Real Impact: Build AI systems used by Fortune 500 companies.

Growth & Learning: Continuous learning opportunities and influence over technical direction.

Ownership: Shape applied research and AI strategy in a fast‑growing, product‑focused data company.

Inclusion at ShyftLabs

We’re building something big, and we want you on the journey with us. If you’re ready to use data and innovation to make an impact, apply today and let’s grow together.

ShyftLabs is an equal‑opportunity employer committed to creating a safe, diverse, and inclusive environment. We encourage applicants of all backgrounds including ethnicity, religion, disability status, gender identity, sexual orientation, family status, age, and nationality to apply. If you require accommodation during the interview process, let us know and we’ll be happy to support you.